Yekaterinburg, Russia - The first Week of Interfaith Harmony in Yekaterinburg was marked not only by the general prayer about peace and mutual understanding but also by a new form of cooperation among the followers of different religions. Disabled and elderly people living in the boarding house “7 Springs” were visited on February 10 by representatives of different Christian bodies and followers of the Yekaterinburg Association of Agni-yoga. After the opening speech given by a representative of the UPF-Urals, who wished all participants to receive God’s blessing, reach spiritual enlightenment, and enjoy good health, the inhabitants of the boarding house were called upon to treat each other with true love following the example of God Who loves all the people of the world.
Thereafter, participants enjoyed a wonderful program. Guests read spiritual quotations and parables; there were also songs and instrumental music. The concluding remarks by deacon Alexey, full of deep meaning, described the outcome of that important meeting. He said: “In the beginning I didn’t understand the gist of the event. Beautiful and righteous words sounded well, but it was not clear how they could be related to the participants. Still, verses and music combined with the sincerity of the performers, their desire to warm the hearts of the audience explained to the full extent the meaning of 'love your neighbor.' Never be rude in return for sharp words, give support and show gratitude to your neighbor, never take offence and grant forgiveness – these features make the starting point for creating peace. Each of us is able to comply."
UPF-Urals expresses its gratitude to: the staff of the boarding house “7 Springs” (and its director, Tatyana Ivanovna Murashovca); the Parish of the Most Holy Vladimir Icon of the Holy Virgin; Interclub “Sodruzhestvo” (led by Alexey Borisovich Patrakov); and the Association of Agni-yoga in Yekaterinburg for their cooperation and participation in the service project.